The Enlightenment: A Very Short Introduction

This concise exploration delves into the pivotal cultural and intellectual movement known as the Enlightenment, which transformed societal structures and thought processes in the 17th and 18th centuries. John Robertson adeptly navigates through the intricate ideas and influential figures that defined this era, offering insights into the philosophies that challenged traditional authorities and championed reason, science, and individualism.

Robertson illuminates the Enlightenment's far-reaching consequences, revealing how its principles laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance and human rights. With clarity and depth, he examines the tensions between rationality and emotion, science and spirituality, and the quest for knowledge versus the constraints of power. This engaging introduction captures the essence of the Enlightenment, making it accessible to readers seeking to understand the origins of contemporary beliefs and values shaped by this revolutionary period in history.